Name: Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup salted butter, softened (227g); 1 cup granulated sugar (200g); 1 cup light brown sugar (200g); 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon peppermint extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour (375g); 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 cups semisweet or dark chocolate chips; 6 peppermint candy canes, crushed

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 9 reviews

If you’re craving a cookie that perfectly marries the refreshing zing of peppermint with the rich decadence of chocolate, then this Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These cookies strike the ideal balance between tender, buttery dough and crunchy, festive candy cane pieces, making every bite a delightful celebration of holiday spirit. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family gathering or bringing a plate to a Christmas cookie exchange, these cookies come together quickly and effortlessly, delivering a festive treat that’s both nostalgic and wonderfully comforting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A flat lay of baking ingredients on a white marbled surface, including a clear glass bowl filled with white flour in the center, a smaller white bowl of dark brown chocolate chips to the right, two white eggs placed side by side nearby, and two sticks of pale yellow butter wrapped in paper labeled

This Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that combine to create extraordinary flavors and textures. Each one plays an important role in bringing out the cookie’s chewy softness, rich chocolate bursts, and that unmistakable peppermint kick.

1 cup salted butter, softened: Provides the creamy richness and tender crumb that form the cookie base.
1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve that perfect crisp edge.
1 cup light brown sugar: Brings moisture and a hint of caramel depth for chewiness.
2 large eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the cookie’s soft texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors with a warm, familiar note.
1 teaspoon peppermint extract: Infuses the dough with refreshing coolness—key to the cookie’s festive personality.
3 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation that gives structure to the cookies.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Ensures a gentle rise and light texture.
1 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and elevates all combined flavors.
2 cups semisweet or dark chocolate chips: For intense chocolate bursts that melt delightfully while baking.
6 peppermint candy canes, crushed: Delivers that signature minty crunch and a festive pop of color.

How to Make Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Begin by beating together the softened salted butter with granulated and light brown sugars until the mixture is creamy and light in color—about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, helping your cookies turn out soft yet slightly crisp on the edges.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Extracts

Next, add the eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to your creamed mixture. Beat thoroughly, taking care to scrape down the sides and bottom of your bowl to ensure everything blends evenly. The peppermint extract introduces that classic minty flavor so essential to the cookie’s charm.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Mix the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt together in a separate bowl, then add them gradually to the wet ingredients. Use medium-low speed to avoid over-mixing, which could toughen your cookies. The right amount of flour gives the cookies their perfect chewy texture.

Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Crushed Candy Canes

Stir in the semisweet or dark chocolate chips along with the crushed peppermint candy canes. These pieces are what make this Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe unique; the candy cane pieces provide a lovely crunch and a refreshing peppermint surprise in every bite.

Step 5: Chill and Bake

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and use a small cookie scoop to portion out the dough. If you’d like, sprinkle extra crushed candy canes on top for added flair. Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and to help the cookies hold their shape. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until they are lightly browned on the edges but still soft in the center, then let them cool on wire racks.

How to Serve Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

The image shows twelve round balls of cookie dough placed closely in a 3 by 4 grid on a white marbled surface. Each ball is light beige in color with visible dark chocolate chunks and small red pieces mixed inside, giving a speckled look. The texture of the dough appears soft and crumbly with some small crumbs around the balls. The cookie dough balls are slightly uneven but mostly uniform in size and shape. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra crushed candy canes on top just before baking adds a touch of sparkle and brightens the flavor. For a festive twist, drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies. This extra touch makes them both visually stunning and indulgently sweet.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of peppermint tea or a glass of cold milk to highlight the chocolate and mint combination. For holiday parties, consider serving alongside a platter of fresh berries or a bowl of whipped cream for dipping.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dazzling presentation, stack these cookies on a decorative plate tied with a red ribbon or package them in clear cellophane bags with holiday tags. They also make charming edible gifts when placed in mason jars layered with crushed candy canes and wrapped in twine. This Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is sure to impress both visually and in taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. This prevents them from drying out and keeps the peppermint and chocolate flavors vibrant for up to five days.

Freezing

This Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is perfect for freezing. Place baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them into freezer-safe bags. Frozen cookies keep well for up to three months and let you enjoy a festive treat anytime.

Reheating

To warm up frozen or stored cookies, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes or microwave them for 10 to 15 seconds. This revives their soft texture and melts the chocolate chips just enough for a freshly baked feel.

FAQs

Can I substitute peppermint extract with fresh mint?

Since fresh mint has a much milder flavor and contains water, it’s not an ideal substitute for peppermint extract in this recipe. The extract provides a concentrated mint flavor that’s essential for authentic peppermint cookies.

Do I have to chill the cookie dough before baking?

While you can bake the dough immediately, chilling it for at least 30 minutes helps the cookies develop their shape and enhances the flavors, making the peppermint more distinct and the texture better.

Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of semisweet or dark?

Yes, you can use milk chocolate chips if you prefer a sweeter chocolate experience. However, semisweet or dark chocolate provides a nice balance against the peppermint’s brightness in this Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe.

Are these cookies suitable for holiday cookie exchanges?

Absolutely! These cookies are easy to make in large batches and hold up well during transport. Their festive look and delicious flavor make them a crowd-pleaser at any cookie exchange.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just be sure the blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture, and adjust baking times as needed.

Final Thoughts

This Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is pure magic on a baking sheet. It’s quick, festive, and absolutely delicious—perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself during the holidays. Once you try it, these cookies are sure to become a cherished part of your seasonal traditions.